Somewhere in the Highlands (Somewhere in Time Book 4)

by Beth Trissel

  Despite the late hour, as far as he knew, he was awake. The fact that Beezus was sound asleep detracted a little from any thoughts of romance he might’ve had, but just lying beside her soft warmth, her head cradled in the crook of his arm, was a dream come true. And more than he’d hardly dared to hope for.

  Was it possible she truly cared for him?

  She did seem exceptionally attached. Devoted, even, but that could be said of Niall’s snoozing deerhound. Beezus curled at his side might partly stem from fear of being stuck back here alone, or carried away by Madman Morley. But she’d volunteered to help trap that fiend. And brilliant Hal could always get her home. Niall would do his all to aid her. She wasn’t dependent on Fergus. When it came right down to it, Beezus was a survivor.

  So…unless he was smitten beyond all reason, so dazzled by her he couldn’t see straight, she’d changed from the young woman of his acquaintance only a week ago. Done a 180. This had to be the most unusual way a geek ever won the heart of a fair lady. Assuming he had, and he was still wrapping his mind around that muzzy concept, like an A.I. bot processing new Intel that did not compute. For once in his life, Fergus, who could sleep anywhere through anything and kidded Niall about being an insomniac, lay awake listening to the gentle breathing of the woman beside him, the wind beyond the castle walls, and the low snores of the dog.

  Maybe there was no catch and Beezus really did love him. Wouldn’t it be just his luck to win her and then go ‘poof’?

  The geek squad would find that the more likely outcome, assuming Fergus’s initial premise was correct, followed by a rousing debate on super powers. Which left him nowhere.

  “What do you think, Kiln?” he whispered, reaching to the dog and stroking his head. “Does she, or doesn’t she?”

  The kindly canine cracked an eye and gave Fergus a lick before returning to his slumber.

  “You’re right.” Lost in hopeful uncertainty, Fergus nodded off with his bedfellows.

  How long he dozed he had no recollection, only that he sank down into the black well of exhaustion and crawled back out. Why he’d roused he wasn’t certain, until he realized Beezus tossed and moaned beside him like someone had her by the throat, or reached out his hands and was closing in. Fergus could well imagine whom she battled in her dreams. Pushing up on one elbow, he bent over her. The faint light of earliest dawn and what remained of the fire’s glow illuminated her lovely face, wincing in a grimace.

  Poor girl. “Beezus?”

  No awareness of his presence. Only the whine from the worried dog.

  “It’s OK, boy.” But Fergus knew it wasn’t.

  After lying to Kiln, he gently grasped her shoulders and lightly shook her. Keeping his voice low, he said, “Beezus, wake up.” And started to add, You’re all right, but how could he possibly assure that?

  She fluttered her eyes. “Fergus?”

  “Right here. You were having a nightmare.”

  The confusion in her gaze cleared and she breathed out shakily. “I pray it doesn’t become a daymare.”

  In other words, true.

  What could he say, or do, to soothe her fears when they were justified? If he were honest with himself, he even shared them. But it wasn’t his nature to despair, so matter how greatly the odds were stacked against them, and he suspected it wasn’t hers either. She’d fight to the end.

  “Beezus?” he whispered.

  A tremor ran through her. “Yes?”

  “This.” Cupping her chilled face in his hands, Fergus covered her tremulous lips with his.

  Everything he felt for this unique, maddening woman, all his hopes and wants, the love and yearning he’d stored up for her, seemingly never to be realized, flowed through him in a warm washing wave. No holding back. He poured everything, his very soul, into that impassioned kiss. And her welcoming mouth returned the heated pressure on her lips. Beezus kissed him back with a hunger that took his breath away and sent him soaring to dizzying heights. When she’d come to share his fervor, he couldn’t say, but she had. Glory be. He sent a pray of gratitude winging to the Divine.

  Tears wet her cheeks and she gasped out, “Don’t you dare leave me, Fergus.”

  He panted an assurance. “If there is any way in heaven or in hell to hold onto you, I swear I will. I haven’t battled this far to be defeated now. All is not yet lost.”

  “Nor is it won. But I will do all I can to make it right.” Her voice broke. “This is my fault.”

  “No.” He smoothed the hair pulled from her braid out of her damp face. Anguished eyes met his. “Don’t you see? If your uncle hadn’t researched the MacKenzies and MacDonalds and discovered what happened to Calum, we wouldn’t even know. I’d not stand a chance of altering anything.”

  She stared at him. “I hadn’t thought of that.”

  “I had, but didn’t say earlier…because I was annoyed with you.”

  “Don’t blame you. Still, it doesn’t erase my part with the stole.”

  “We all make mistakes.”

  Blinking at tears, she brushed her lips to his cheek. “Gallant of you to offer, considering the grievousness of my errors.”

  “You didn’t realize you were helping create a monster.”

  “We were better off with the original Red MacDonald.”

  “Don’t wish him back. It’s where we go from here that counts. Besides, Morley said Big Red was killed in that battle along with Calum after the annals changed, remember? He tossed that nugget out right before he bolted from the townhouse.”

  Voice quavering, she said, “Yes. So?”

  “The dude was doomed. Morley just knocked him off himself and took his place.”

  She swiped at her eyes. “Even so, I helped Morley make his move. And somehow, I’ve got to make amends.”

  Catching her hand, Fergus pressed a kiss to her palm. “You already have. I cherish each moment with you.”

  “And I, you.”

  Words he never ever thought to hear, and the tenderness in her gaze caressed him. “You could have let me come on this quest alone, Beezus, but you didn’t. You’re here.”

  “I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

  “And that matters. It matters a lot.”

  His voice was husky with emotion and words couldn’t begin to express his feelings for her. Enfolding Beezus in his arms, he rolled with her onto his side, holding her as closely as humanly possible, given the amount of cloth between them. He buried his lips in the inviting curve of her neck and kissed down over her soft skin, relishing each responsive shiver. Even the lingering smell of sulfur and turf smoke on her skin enticed him. Pressing his lips back to her quivering mouth, he kissed her long and hard, savoring every heart-pounding second, as though it were his last. Because it well might be. And he knew, she knew, and that made the rush between them all the more sacred and searing.

  He’d tumbled into a world of pulsing moons and shooting stars, his universe igniting, and only wanted more, ever more. Even if she surrendered all, he still would. This kind of wanting needed two life times. In a way, he’d been granted a second one. If only he could hold onto it—to her. To this unbelievable moment.

  Lost in Beezus, he was taken aback when she broke their kiss, blurting, “OMG!”

  “What?”

  “Oh My God.”

  “I know what it means.” He hadn’t even peeled away the layers between them. It seemed premature for such an outburst. “I didn’t realize we were that far along.”

  “Not that,” she said emphatically, “although you are the world’s best kisser.”

  This appeased him a little. “What are you OMG’ing about?”

  She sat up and eyed him intently. “First, do you trust me?”

  Innate caution warred with his willingness to give her a chance. “More than ever. Why?”

  “I’ve got an idea to defeat Morley.”

  He pushed up on one elbow. “Tell me, then.”

  “I can’t divulge all the details.”

  Stu
nned, he asked the obvious. “Why not?”

  “Because if you know everything, then so will Morley, and it won’t work. Same reason Hal won’t specify the treasure.”

  “Ah, that seer thing. What makes you think Morley won’t read your mind?”

  “He may. But if there’s one thing I’m skilled at, it’s deception.”

  The same thought had occurred to Fergus. “And you’re thinking of this now because?”

  “It came to me. Like a message from your mom.”

  “Ah ha. How do I know you’re not deceiving me now?”

  “She did say she’d send messages, as she was able,” Beezus reminded him.

  “Yes, but it’s not like I can ask her for verification. Although, we could go and wake up our resident seer to report a possible psychic vibe.”

  “Fergus.”

  “I’m not seriously gonna disturb that dear old lady.”

  Beezus bent over him and curled her hand at his cheek. “This is where the trust comes in. Please.”

  “I’m going out on a limb here, one I never thought would support my weight until possibly this moment. Even so, it’s a leap of faith. But, Okay, I’ll try.”

  Her eyes were luminous. “Thank you. Oh, and I’ll need the map.”

  His jaw dropped. “Give an inch and you take a—”

  She held her fingers to his mouth. “It’s useless now anyway.”

  Fergus considered her reasoning while she traced his lower lip with one tempting finger. “True. But Morley won’t trade it for the stole, if that’s your scheme.”

  “He might be willing to discuss the exchange.”

  “Which places you dangerously near that maniac.”

  “And you. You’ll be nearby.”

  “This is freakin’ risky, Beezus. We might as well wrestle crocs.”

  “It’s risky no matter what. But we have to take him down. Do you have a better plan?”

  “Than trusting you with whatever madness you’ve concocted? I should hope so.”

  “But you don’t, do you?”

  Dang it all. He didn’t. “Hal might.”

  “Fergus, this is one time your brilliant minds alone cannot win the battle. You need me. Admit it.”

  “All right. We’ll do it your way, if Niall agrees. Margaret MacKenzie said you’re central to catching Morley. But I fear I’ll come to regret it. Deeply.”

  “I pray not.”

  “Where do you propose we undertake this scheme? I assume you’ll require backup.”

  “Of course. Niall can help with location. We’ll need some space to maneuver but rocks and trees for cover. A battle may follow.”

  “I assumed it might.”

  “I’ll have to play Morley to draw him in,” she said.

  “What if he remains out of range?”

  “Then I’ll reel him in even closer. Watch for your opportunity to strike with that whip.”

  “Oh, I’ll be watching every move the two of you make.”

  “Remember, Fergus, trust me. No matter what.”

  He groaned. “We don’t know the extent of Morley’s powers.”

  “And he doesn’t know the extent of ours.”

  “Whew,” Fergus whistled under his breath. “Now you’re Wonder Woman.”

  “You’re a Jedi.”

  “In training. I’m waiting on Yoda for the fine tuning.”

  “You’re good enough for me. Now.” With a teary smile, she wrapped her arms around his chest.

  He enfolded her in turn, aching to get ever nearer those beckoning curves. Before he could make a move, peels of childish laughter rang out behind them.

  Beezus startled and he half-sighed, half-chuckled. “Time to meet my niece. Wee Maggie.”

  “Good heavens, so she is.”

  “And we only had to travel back four hundred years to meet her.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  “‘O say can you see by dawn’s early light,’” Beezus sang softly and swiveled to take in the munchkin now seated astride the patient dog.

  “Sure can.” Fergus got to his feet with an unmistakable wince. “Doggone. I’m feeling those hours in the saddle.”

  So was Beezus. “Never fear, your mom packed the aspirin.”

  He smiled wryly. “That was me. Been here before, remember.” He bent low to ruffle the toddler’s tousled curls. “Riding Kiln are you, Maggie?”

  A grin and dimpled baby hands patted the dog’s wiry fur. “Horsey.”

  “He’s the size of a small pony,” Fergus agreed, then remarked to Beezus, “We’re gonna need coffee.”

  “And lots of it. How do we brew that here?”

  “Never fear. I’ve mastered coffee making under trying circumstances.”

  “You brought instant.”

  “Right. And creamer, sugar,” he added.

  She weighed the imp bouncing up and down on the forbearing canine, her hair flaming in the glow from the hearth, giggles echoing through the Great Hall. “If Kiln grows weary, I suppose he’ll just dump her and walk away. Or maybe he’s like Nana in Peter Pan and she’s his charge.”

  Fergus smiled at the sprite. “Probably gave her keeper the slip. I can’t imagine they allow her the run of the castle.”

  Beezus stroked a burnished curl at the infant’s chubby cheek. “I’m not saying I want one of these, but she is darling. A pintsized version of the redhead in the movie Brave.”

  “And a holy rip from what I hear,” Fergus added.

  “Maggie!” A flushed servant in a checked apron rushed into the room. Stopping in her tracks, she surveyed Fergus and Beezus wide-eyed. “So sorry to disturb ye, sir, Miss. Come away now, Maggie. Time ye had yer porridge,” cajoled the nurse, nanny, or whatever wealthy Scots of this era referred to those longsuffering souls assigned to child care.

  The tiny girl dug in her heels. “Ride horsey!”

  Fergus scooped up the stubborn tot and swirled her around to resounding laughter before handing her over to the harried woman. “Here you go.”

  “Thank ye, sir. Forgive me, sir. Lost sight of the wee lass for a wink and off she went like a fox kit. ’Tis sorry I am to trouble ye.” She bobbed a curtsy and bore her protesting charge away.

  “It’s quite all right!” he called after the flurry of petticoats. He glanced down at Beezus, bemusement in his blue eyes. “She must wonder what on earth we’re doing spread before the hearth, what with my being a sir and all.”

  Beezus pushed the stray tendrils from her face. “Probably thinks I’m a common tart.”

  “Or his lordship’s favorite mistress.”

  “Maybe they’ve heard of your impending knighthood.”

  “I doubt Jedi carries much weight with these Scots.”

  “Not a lot. Now we’ve had our wakeup call, could you alert the staff that his lordship’s lady could do with a bath?”

  “We’ve achieved an aromatic blend of herbs and sulfur that should hang on for days, but if you prefer, I’ll request the full spa treatment.”

  “Fergus is back? Praise be to the holy saints!” On the tail of that exclamation, the striking young woman in the portrait swept into the hall, auburn braids wound on her head, green skirts brushing the floor. The scarlet jacket laced up her front added another bright note of color to an already vibrant female. Thrown around her shoulders was a scarlet and blue arisaid pinned in front with a beautifully engraved silver brooch.

  Rushing at Fergus, she flung outstretched arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.

  He embraced her warmly. “Wonderful to see you, too, Mora.”

  She drew back and smiled up into his face. Eyes the color of summer leaves glistened. “How we’ve missed yer merry company, my friend. I’m sae happy ye are well. I pray fer ye daily.”

  “Thank you. Niall told me. We enjoyed meeting Maggie.”

  If possible, Mora appeared even more lovely at the mention of her daughter. “The wee lass is our greatest treasure.”

  “Yes. She’s a rare jewel.” Ferg
us gestured at Beezus getting to her feet and trying not to trip over her petticoats. “Allow me to introduce my fair lady, Beezus Mac.”

  The old-fashioned term took Beezus by surprise and she noted the slight smile at his lips.

  Mora’s eyes shone. “’Tis glad I am to meet ye, Mistress Mac.”

  “Please call me, Beezus. The nickname comes from Elizabeth, but everyone calls me Beezus.”

  “Then I also shall.” Their hostess wrapped Beezus in an effusive welcome, the scent of roses clinging to her. “Our Fergus needs a good woman.”

  “I don’t know how good I am,” Beezus confessed. “But I’m making amends.”

  “Ye will stand by him.” Mora dropped her arms, and gestured toward the table. “Breakfast will be served anon. Cook is most grateful for yer bountiful gift of peppercorns. Three bags full! And her good humor a boon to us all.”

  “And more likely to result in hot coffee?” Fergus prompted.

  “Aye.” Mora smiled. “Boiling water will be served at table for yer brew. At present, Niall is with yer companion, Hal Dubois, and wishes ye to visit his chamber at yer first opportunity.”

  Fergus didn’t hesitate. “I’ll go now.”

  While he sped off, Mora said, “Beezus, would ye care to come wie me and freshen yerself?

  “Oh yes, I would love to wash up. But I wonder what Hal has discovered?”

  “Ye will learn soon enough,” Margaret MacKenzie said from behind them.

  Her catlike tread had gone unnoticed by Beezus. She turned toward the slight figure. “Is it good news, or bad?”

  A shrug beneath her arisaid, and in barely audible tones Margaret said, “Depends on how ye feel about a shifting portal.”

  Beezus was careful not to be overheard by eavesdropping servants. “Anywhere is better than that horrible crypt.”

  Mora shuddered in agreement. “Sech a vile place.”

  Wise eyes considered them. “We shall see.”

  That maddening response was exactly like one Mrs. Fergus would make. What was it with these seers and their mysterious replies?

  “’Tis here, at Donhowel,” Margaret offered unexpectedly, her voice low.

  “What will that mean?” Beezus mused.